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Dear Beloveds, In the pursuit of new spiritual growth and a deeper appreciation of God’s great earth, I was blessed to be able to take a wonderfully unique sabbatical adventure that took me away from our pulpit and into the incredible world of a working farm. I truly looked forward to finding a new experience that would connect me with nature, strengthen my faith, and deepen my understanding of who God is in my life and the world. Little did I know that this transformative journey would not only renew my spirit, but also reveal profound lessons about God’s presence in the simplest aspects of life. Amidst the farm work, I discovered a profound connection between physical labor and spiritual well-being. Each chore, whether it was making cheese, milking the cows or sweeping floors, had the possibility of becoming an act of deep devotion. It was in these moments of daily manual labor that I realized more and more that God’s presence is never confined to church walls, but truly is revealed in the acts of every day life. As I immersed myself in the rhythm of farm and monastery life, I was blessed to be able to encounter fellow laborers and sojourners of faith, each who carried their own stories and struggles. I was able to glean from them wonderful lessons of resilience and the power of community. My sabbatical was an incredible adventure that not only deepened my faith but also illuminated the sacredness of the ordinary. Nature became my chapel. This short but meaningful time away taught me to look for God not only in the huge moments of our lives, but in the humblest aspects of daily life. As I have returned to my pastoral duties, I now can carry with me a renewed sense of purpose, a heightened appreciation for this beautiful world, and holding witness to the great connectedness of spirituality and God’s great creation. I cannot wait to share what I have learned with you over the course of the next few weeks in my sermons and writings. I am so thankful for my time away, and hope that I am a better pastor for you because of it! With great love for you, Pastor Grace
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